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FAQs and Myths

Myth: All alcohol or drug-related incidents are covered by the Good Samaritan policy.
Fact: Only 2.06% of all alcohol or drug-related incidents referred to the Office of Community Standards in 2020-21 were considered Good Samaritan incidents.

Myth: There are more and more Good Samaritan incidents every year.
Fact: The number of Good Samaritan incidents fluctuates between years. Often the number of overall cases in the Office of Community Standards correlates with the size of the incoming first-year class and the number of overall violations that are reported.

Myth: All Good Samaritan incidents involve alcohol.
Fact: The vast majority of incidents do in fact involve alcohol, but the policy applies to drug use as well!

Myth: There are no consequences if you have a Good Samaritan incident.
Fact: While we don’t like the term “consequences," there is follow up that occurs. Typically, a student who has a Good Samaritan incident will meet with someone in the Office of Community Standards, have a substance use assessment with the counseling center, and take a class for persons hospitalized for drugs or alcohol.

Myth: You can only get help for someone else once under the Good Samaritan Policy.
Fact: You can get help for other people as many times as needed! The Good Samaritan Policy protects two parties: the reporter and the person who needs assistance. The reporter is protected as many times as needed throughout their ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú career. You should ALWAYS call for help if someone needs it! However, the person that needed assistance can receive the protection of the policy only once.

Myth: A Good Samaritan Policy violation will stop me from participating in a Study Abroad trip.
Fact: Good Samaritan Policy violation is NOT a reportable disciplinary action.

Myth: All ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú students “get” a Good Samaritan once during their time as a student.
Fact: The application of the Good Samaritan Policy is based on each individual situation. Sometimes it will apply and sometimes it will not.